Class 313 Profile and Models
313201 at Lewes in August 2018. ©Foulger Rail Photos
The British Rail Class 313 is a dual-voltage electric multiple unit (EMU) built by BREL. They were the first production units that were derived from British Rail's 1971 prototype suburban EMU design which, as the BREL 1972 family, eventually encompassed 755 vehicles over five production classes (313, 314, 315, 507 and 508). They were the first second-generation EMUs to be constructed for British Rail and the first British Rail units with both a pantograph for 25 kV 50 Hz AC overhead lines and contact shoe equipment for 750 V DC third rail supply. They were, additionally, the first units in Britain to employ multi-function automatic Tightlock couplers, which include electrical and pneumatic connections allowing the coupling and uncoupling of units to be performed unassisted by the driver whilst in the cab. The Class 313 units are the oldest EMUs on the National Rail network, at 46 years old; they entered service in 1976. The fleet has started to gradually be withdrawn, with Southern & Network Rail expected to be the final operators in 2023. 313201 has been selected for preservation at the NRM. |
|
Type of Unit |
Dual-Voltage EMU |
Builder |
British Rail Engineering Limited, York |
Build Dates |
1976 to 1977 |
Total Built |
64 3-car Sets |
Power Output |
880 hp |
Top Speed |
75 mph |
Passenger Capacity |
194 to 232 seats |
Operated By |
British Rail Silverlink London Overground WAGN Great Northern First Capital Connect Southern Network Rail |
Main Duties |
Local Passenger |
In Service Until |
Present |
Surviving Examples |
20 |